War Child UK

A stage lit in amber light and a crowd in the foreground.

Because philanthropy means more than partying 

War Child are driven by a single goal – to ensure a safe future for every child living through war. They work to protect, educate and stand up for the rights of children living through conflict and go to the hardest to reach places to support them. We have supported their special events portfolio for over ten years.   
It has been a privilege for the team at The Events Mill to have long supported War Child UK. We are more than charity event planners. Since 2014 we have worked closely with War Child UK, and their global ambassadors, to creatively direct a unique event that raises significant funds for children in conflict zones. It truly remains one of the most rewarding projects in our portfolio and we are proud to be known ‘Wassailers’ for the War Child Winter Wassail.
charity event planners
Our concierge service is integral to the success of the Winter Wassail. The guest experience, their comfort and the exclusivity of the event must work in harmony, to create the impact for this fundraising experience to standout in a crowded market. We focus on the small details to make a big difference, elevating our guests’ relaxation and joy through impeccable event management and front of house services. 
A room filled with dining tables and chairs with people sat at these tables and chairs eating dinner.
Black and white image of Jude Law on stage in front of people sat at banqueting tables.
We are committed to supporting this event and other fundraising initiatives at War Child, in an honest and transparent way. There is no better feeling than knowing that our small contribution has helped to raise funds for all children affected by war around the world. The Winter Wassail in 2023 raised over £1.5million. 
A woman in a black dress at a lectern with red Christmas antler horns on her head.
A screen displaying a running fundraising total.
A woman in a green and pink body suit performing on stage with her arm raised.
Black and white image of three singers on stage with microphones.
A white dining table with white cross-back chairs dressed with flowers and a glowing, lit candelabra.
A black and white image of waiters holding plates of food wearing aprons embroidered with the logo 'The Events Meal'
A performer on stage in a tuxedo holding a microphone out to the crowd with purple lighting.A man and a woman on stage framed by white light with other people sat at tables in an event.
“I have sent quite a few thank you notes today but I don't really know how to express the thanks I have for you and what you do for War Child. Personally - I couldn't have done it without you, your professionalism, but also your friendship and kindness. Event wise - wow!”

Fundraising Engagement Director, War Child UK 
A man in a tuxedo standing behind a wooden lectern presenting on stage.A man in a black suit entertaining a crowd on stage with his arms out wide.
A circular white, wooden dining table with glassware, flowers and flatware set in front of a stage.
A screen showing a graphic with a border that says "Wassailers" behind a Christmas tree lit with fairy lights.
“The heart of a Wassailer lies in their mission to support an extraordinary cause, to extend skills, passion and expertise, and a huge dollop of love, to do everything we can to raise as much money as possible for any child affected by war - because just one child caught up in conflict is one child too many. To be a part of this family, in my greatest career highlight.” Christopher Mills.  
A grand staircase dressed with Christmas trees lit with lights and lanterns.A woman speaking behind a lectern on a microphone wearing a white shirt.
A programme menu laid on top of a white napkin with silver knives and forks either side.

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War Child Winter Wassail

War Child aim to be there for children who need them most, when they need them most because no child's life should be torn apart by war. It has been a privilege for the team at The Events Mill to have long supported War Child UK in the same way, being there when they need us most. 

Brief

Since 2014 we have partnered with War Child UK, and their global ambassadors, to creatively direct a unique event, the ‘War Child Winter Wassail’. This flagship event is an opportunity for War Child to gather key donors together, to stage an immersive fundraising experience that has become known as the industry’s leading philanthropic event. 

As integral partners from its creation to the extraordinary showcase it is now, The Events Mill has played a central role in developing the Wassail, being called upon for our creativity and skills in aesthetic design. Our task has been to elevate the guest experience, to deliver an impeccable dining concept and to always creatively honour the true essence of what a Wassail is - the coming together of friends.  

What We Did ...

It has been a true privilege to be known as ‘Wassailers,’ supporting the work of War Child and developing the ‘Winter Wassail’. Working alongside a charity that is very close to our hearts, bringing their global ambassadors’ Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford’s’ vision to life, is a constant pleasure.

Over the last eleven years, the Wassail has entertained guests in the form of a concert dinner and we’ve had the pleasure of working with artists including Rita Ora, Leon Bridges, James Bay, Phoebe Bridgers, St. Vincent, Blake Mills, Emeli Sande, Jack Garrett, Liv Dawson, Mette, Stormzy, Sam Smith, Nicole Scherzinger, Mumford & Sons, Ellie Goulding, Gregory Porter, Keane, The National and Paloma Faith; performers include Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch, Oscar Isaac, Stanley Tucci, Jude Law, Emma Corrin, Paul Mescal, Johnathan Pryce, Gillian Anderson, Emma Thompson, Emily Blunt, Dawn French, Jodie Whittaker, Sienna Miller, Michael McIntyre, Mark Strong and Stephen Merchant. This extensive list displays both the prestige and reach the amazing work War Child extends. 

The Events Mill has an integral creative and planning role, focusing on the aesthetics of the event, paying particular attention to guest experience from the moment they arrive at the venue. We have constantly innovated the experience since 2014, whilst maintaining the essence and heart of the event, providing a variety of support. 

We open our little black book to support this event both on a pro-bono and at-cost level. Being able to use our network to support War Child is both a privilege and creative challenge, whilst innovating the event year-on-year. The Winter Wassail is no standard fundraising dinner, and the level of production required is more akin to a full show, which we embrace and can deliver every year. 

In our creative role, we design the menu for the evening and deliver via our in-house catering service, The Events Meal. In the kitchen, throughout service and what is seen on the tables, is all curated by our team. It is this meal which supports the exciting, money-can’t-buy show that War Child provide to guests, before the true reason we’re all in the room, to pledge and raise vital funds for children. 

This event is truly one of the most important in our portfolio and it’s a privilege to work with War Child.